Intel Graphics formally retired the Gen 9 graphics architecture that powered iGPUs found in the company's 6th Gen Core processors. The company continues support for the Gen 9.5 architecture that powers 7th thru 10th Gen processors. With up to 24 EU (execution units), the iGPU provided basic display that met Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10 WHQL logo requirements, and supported Direct3D DDI up to API level 11_0. This "retirement" means that Intel Graphics will no longer provide regular driver updates, but relegate support for a much lower update cadence that only ticks when there are critical security or stability issues to fix. The last regular driver for these iGPUs is version 31.0.101.2115.

Steam's latest March survey has put NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 3060 at the top, reaching over 10 percent and surpassing both the GTX 1060 and the RTX 2060. NVIDIA has been holding the crown with over 80 percent of users running on their GPUs, while AMD held just over 10 percent. This means that the NVIDIA RTX 3060 almost has more users on Steam than all AMD Radeon graphics cards combined. Intel holds just over 6 percent. Bear in mind that Intel and AMD numbers also include integrated GPUs.

When it comes to CPUs, there are 74.46 percent running on Intel CPUs and 25.54 percent on AMD. Most users use a 6-core CPU, 45.76, with 8-core CPUs taking 18.45 percent. The memory amount has obviously risen, as 56.92 percent run on 16 GB, and 22.41 percent have 32 GB systems. When it comes to OS, most users are running on Windows 10, 73.95 percent, while Windows 11 OS takes 22.41 percent. While some might argue that the Steam Survey is not exactly precise as it is apparently based on a random survey, it does give a general idea and shows the big picture.

Leading memory brand Team Group has announced its gaming brand T-FORCE and creator brand T-CREATE will launch non-binary DDR5 overclocking memory modules in capacities of 24 GB and 48 GB. The company has worked closely with major motherboard makers to complete compatibility testing with Intel 700 and 600 series motherboards of the modules' frequency and capability advancements. The modules will not only support XMP 3.0 but also come in various frequencies of 6,000 MHz and up, making them the fastest non-binary DDR5 high-capacity memory modules available. With excellent compatibility, capacity, and speed, they are the perfect RAM upgrades for gamers and creators.

T-FORCE LAB is committed to providing gamers with both great-performing and highly-compatible products, with T-FORCE DELTA RGB DDR5 taking the lead, launching 48 GB (2x 24 GB) dual-channel kits in 6,000 MHz, 6,400 MHz, 6,800 MHz, 7,200 MHz, 7,600 MHz and 8,000 MHz variants. It allows even motherboards with only two memory slots to harness the power of massive capacities and provide a next-level gaming experience. T-FORCE's latest 2x24GB dual-channel kit supports Intel XMP 3.0, allowing gamers to enjoy the smooth experience that high-capacity memory brings to system performance by simply enabling XMP 3.0 overclocking in BIOS.

ASUS today announced five new models in the 2023 Vivobook Classic series of laptops, headed up by the flagship 14-inch Vivobook 14X OLED (K3405) and 16-inch Vivobook 16X OLED (K3605) models. In keeping with their role as flagships of the series, these powerful laptops feature up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, accompanied by up to 13th Gen Intel Core H-series processors and up to 32 GB of RAM. The feature-packed K3405 and K3605 really do deliver maximum performance at the best price.

Vivobook 14X OLED and 16X OLED (K3605) feature up to world-leading 3.2K 120 Hz OLED HDR Pantone Validated displays. A powerful Dirac-tuned audio system and an HD webcam with ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) ensure immersive entertainment and crystal-clear video conferencing. High-performance WiFi 6E (802.11ax) and a long-lasting battery with fast-charge capabilities free users to take full advantage of their mobile lifestyle. On-the-go connectivity is easy with a set of I/O ports including up to Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C and/or Type-A and HDMI 2.1, plus a standard SD card reader.

On Wednesday, the MLCommons team released the MLPerf 3.0 Inference numbers, and there was an exciting submission from NVIDIA. Reportedly, NVIDIA has used software optimization to improve the already staggering performance of its latest H100 GPU by up to 54%. For reference, NVIDIA's H100 GPU first appeared on MLPerf 2.1 back in September of 2022. In just six months, NVIDIA engineers worked on AI optimizations for the MLPerf 3.0 release to find that basic software optimization can catalyze performance increases anywhere from 7-54%. The workloads for measuring the inferencing speed suite included RNN-T speech recognition, 3D U-Net medical imaging, RetinaNet object detection, ResNet-50 object classification, DLRM recommendation, and BERT 99/99.9% natural language processing.

What is interesting is that NVIDIA's submission is a bit modified. There are open and closed categories that vendors have to compete in, where closed is the mathematical equivalent of a neural network. In contrast, the open category is flexible and allows vendors to submit results based on optimizations for their hardware. The closed submission aims to provide an "apples-to-apples" hardware comparison. Given that NVIDIA opted to use the closed category, performance optimization of other vendors such as Intel and Qualcomm are not accounted for here. Still, it is interesting that optimization can lead to a performance increase of up to 54% in NVIDIA's case with its H100 GPU. Another interesting takeaway is that some comparable hardware, like Qualcomm Cloud AI 100, Intel Xeon Platinum 8480+, and NeuChips's ReccAccel N3000, failed to finish all the workloads. This is shown as "X" on the slides made by NVIDIA, stressing the need for proper ML system software support, which is NVIDIA's strength and an extensive marketing claim.

Intel's newest Arc Pro A60/A60M professional graphics card has been spotted in CompuBench database, revealing what appears to be the highest performing graphics card in Intel's Arc Pro lineup. Unlike the already available Arc Pro A50, A40, A40M, and the A30, which are all based on the ACM-G11 GPU with up to 8 Xe-cores, the upcoming A60/A60M could end up with a cut-down version of the ACM-G10 or the rumored ACM-G12, considering it packs 16 Xe-cores or 256 Xe Engines/Execution Units.

Unfortunately, Intel's Arc Pro graphics cards are pretty rare and so far, these were only available through the OEM channel. According to the CompuBench database, the Arc Pro A60 has a maximum clock frequency of 2450 and 256 maximum compute units. Unfortunately, CompuBench entry does not confirm the actual memory amount or the memory interface, but it could possibly end up with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit memory interface.

Not entirely unexpected, Intel has started to discontinue its 11th Gen Core processors, also known as Tiger Lake. In a product change notification (PCN) the company has listed no less than five mobile and four desktop parts that the company will stop letting its customers order from the end of June this year, with the last shipment taking place at the end of January 2024.

The discontinued range covers everything from Core i3 to Core i9 models and the full range of discontinued models can be found in the screenshot below. It should be noted that the desktop parts are the B SKU parts that were for example found in Intel's NUC 11 Extreme and are 65 W TDP parts. Most of the mobile parts are still available in products being sold, albeit, most of those products being older SKUs that have been replaced by 12th and 13th Gen Core processors by now. None of the products in the PCN were available directly to end consumers to purchase as far as TPU is aware.

ASRock Industrial released iBOX fanless industrial PCs (IPCs) powered by 13th Gen Intel Core "Raptor Lake" processors. These are completely fanless, and are powered by mobile Intel Core "Raptor Lake" processors in the 15 W to 28 W power class. Their bodies are made of extruded aluminium ridges, which double up as heatsinks for the SoC. All the industrial connectivity essentials are covered, including dual 2.5 GbE wired LAN, provision for WLAN, a handful USB 3.x and USB 2.0 ports, RS232 COM, and some models even feature GPIO. Processor models on offer include the Core i3-1315UE, i5-1345UE, and i7-1375UE. Depending on the processor model and other features, these iBOX IPCs are priced anywhere between $800 to $1,300.

Intel has awarded TSMC with some big contracts for future manufacturing of next generation GPUs, according to Taiwan's Commercial Times. As previously covered on TPU, the second generation Battlemage graphics processing units will get fabricated via a 4 nm process. According to insider sources at both partnering companies, Intel is eyeing a release date in the second half of 2024 for this Xe2-based architecture. The same sources pointed to the third generation Celestial graphics processing units being ready in time for a second half of 2026 launch window. Arc Celestial, which is based on the Xe3 architecture, is set for manufacture in the coming years courtesy of TSMC's N3X (3 nm) process node.

One of the sources claim that Intel is quietly confident about its future prospects in the GPU sector, despite mixed critical and commercial reactions to the first generation line-up of Arc Alchemist discrete graphics cards. The company is said to be anticipating great demand for more potent versions of its graphics products in the future, and internal restructuring efforts have not dulled the will of a core team of engineers. The restructuring process resulted in the original AXG graphics division being divided into two sub-groups - CCG and DCAI. The pioneer of the entire endeavor, Raja Koduri, departed Intel midway through last month, to pursue new opportunities with an AI-focused startup.

AMD has revealed more Ryzen 7 7800X3D gaming benchmarks ahead of the official launch scheduled for April 6th. AMD has previously shared some results comparing this 8-core/16-thread Ryzen 7000X3D series SKU with Intel's Core i9-13900K or the predecessor, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, showing up to 24 and 30 percent performance increase.

Now, a new slide has been leaked online, which is a part of AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D review guide, comparing it once again with the Intel Core i9-13900K, but going head to head in several more games. At 1080p resolution and high settings, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is anywhere from 2 to 31 percent faster, but there are several games where the Core i9-13900K is also faster, such as CS:GO.

AMD and JEDEC are collaborating to create a new industry standard for DDR5 memory called MRDIMMs (multi-ranked buffered DIMMs). The constant need for bandwidth in server systems provides trouble that can not easily be solved. Adding more memory is difficult, as motherboards can only get so big. Incorporating on-package memory solutions like HBM is expensive and can only scale to a specific memory capacity. However, engineers of JEDEC, with the help of AMD, have come to make a new standard that will try and solve this challenge using the new MRDIMM technology. The concept of MRDIMM is, on paper, straightforward. It combines two DDR5 DIMMs on a single module to effectively double the bandwidth. Specifically, if you take two DDR5 DIMMs running at 4,400 MT/s and connect them to create a single DIMM, you get 8,800 MT/s speeds on a single module. To efficiently use it, a special data mux or buffer will effectively take two Double Data Rate (DDR) DIMMs and convert them into Quad Data Rate (QDR) DIMMs.

The design also allows simultaneous access to both ranks of memory, thanks to the added mux. First-generation MRDIMMs can produce speeds of up to 8,800 MT/s, while the second and third generations modules can go to 12,800 MT/s and 17,600 MT/s, respectively. We expect third-generation MRDIMMs after 2030, so the project is still far away. Additionally, Intel has a similar solution called Multiplexer Combined Ranks DIMM (MCRDIMM) which uses a similar approach. However, Intel's technology is expected to see the light of the day as early as 2024/2025 and beyond the generation of servers, with Granite Rapids likely representing a contender for this technology. SK Hynix already makes MCRDIMMs, and you can see the demonstration of the approach below.

Klas, a global leader in edge intelligence solutions, launched a new rugged compute module, the VoyagerVM 4.0, powered by the new Intel Xeon D embedded processor (formerly known as Ice Lake D). The innovative design integrates the newest edge compute technology and exposes an expansion interface to support more agile, and open edge deployments.

The rugged design of the VoyagerVM 4.0 allows it to operate continuously in power constrained and austere environments with wide-ranging ambient temperatures with no impact to performance. Its compact size makes it the ideal edge computing platform for heavy-industry, autonomous vehicles, smart transportation, and military applications.

ASUS today announced Chromebox 5 (CN67), a computer that combines exceptional performance with a contemporary design. The Red Dot Design Award-winning ASUS Chromebox 5 features a slim chassis that houses an efficient thermal solution for reliability, along with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with up to 32 GB DDR4 3200 memory, and Intel Iris Xe graphics. In addition to the expected DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI ports, ASUS Chromebox 5 also includes versatile Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for speedy data transfers, power delivery, and a connection to external displays. ASUS Chromebox 5 can support up to four 4K displays for stunning visuals and efficient productivity, and is the first Chromebox to feature an optional integrated 15-watt Qi-certified wireless charger that allows users to charge supported devices such as smart phones and earbuds simply by placing them on the top cover. With full support for Android apps from Google Play, ASUS Chromebox 5 allows users to easily download and experience all their favorite apps. The compact chassis can be stood on its side, laid flat, or VESA-mounted on a vertical surface, allowing ASUS Chromebox 5 to be used in a variety of environments, including schools, offices, and retail.

Lightning-fast Thunderbolt 4
Thunderbolt 4 brings Thunderbolt connectivity to USB-C at speeds of up to 40 Gbps, along with DisplayPort 1.4 support. It's even compatible with USB4 to create one compact port that does it all—delivering the fastest, most versatile connection to any dock, display, or data storage device.

Giga Computing, a subsidiary of GIGABYTE and an industry leader in high-performance servers, workstations, and mini-PCs, today announced a newly designed ultra-compact, low power mini-PC for the GIGABYTE BRIX lineup - BNIP and BNi3 series, which adopt either the ultra-low power Intel Processor or Intel Core i3 N-Series Processors. With Intel's 7 nm manufacturing and E-core (Efficient Core) architecture, users can benefit not only in performance, but also in computing efficiency. Also, although the BRIX series is compact, these new models are even more so, and maintain respectable performance while fitting perfectly in any IoT employment, whether for office use, education use, home use, digital signage, medical care, or KIOSK.

The newly designed ultra-compact BRIX platform boasts a sleek and contemporary grid design on its exterior, creating a fresh and minimalist impression. The intricately patterned surface produces a pleasing interplay of light, shadow, reflection, and refraction from different angles, for an overall pleasant aesthetic. This design not only enhances the product's visual appeal, but also symbolizes the numerous possibilities of integrating and merging virtual and real elements within this compact mini-PC. And it only comes in a ultra small form factor that is about 1-inch tall and 0.5 L in size.

All eyes - especially investors' eyes - are on Intel's data center business today. Intel's Sandra Rivera, Greg Lavender and Lisa Spelman hosted a webinar focused on the company's Data Center and Artificial Intelligence business unit. They offered a big update on Intel's latest market forecasts, hardware plans and the way Intel is empowering developers with software.

Executives dished out updates on Intel's data center business for investors. This included disclosures about future generations of Intel Xeon chips, progress updates on 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors (code-named Sapphire Rapids) and demos of Intel hardware tackling the competition, heavy AI workloads and more.

Xeon Roadmap Roll Call
Among Sapphire Rapids, Emerald Rapids, Sierra Forest and Granite Rapids, there is a lot going on in the server CPU business. Here's your Xeon roadmap updates in order of appearance:

Today at the Amplify Partner Conference, HP Inc. announced new products and solutions to usher in the next era of hybrid work for everyone with a comprehensive set of computing solutions for hybrid flexibility. With only 22 percent of workers describing themselves as 'thriving' in hybrid work, it's clear companies are still figuring out how to make hybrid work. "Most companies want to move past the 'forced return' to the office era of hybrid work," said Alex Cho, President of Personal Systems, HP Inc. "The challenge is, they're not sure how to. We believe the future is hybrid flexibility, which delivers the best of the home and the office to workers everywhere."

According to HP's Future of Work study, 80 percent of workers want to be in the office some of the time, but many companies continue to struggle to get workers back in the office. HP research suggests that the most significant barrier to a return to office is a sub-optimal technology experience. In fact, 89 percent say technology is the most important factor driving return to office decisions. Similarly, of those who report thriving in hybrid work, 90 percent believe that access to the right technology and tools leads to a positive work experience. To accelerate employees' return to work, the right technology is required for optimal work setups, enabling success for companies and their employees.

ASUS today announced refreshed models in the ultralight, kilogram-class ExpertBook B5 laptop series—ExpertBook B5 (B5402C) and ExpertBook B5 Flip (B5402F).

Available in both traditional clamshell and 360°-convertible forms for the ultimate in portability, flexibility and clarity, the latest ExpertBook B5 models feature expansive 14-inch displays and are packed with the latest high-performance and enterprise-grade security technologies, including up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with Intel vPro support and Intel Iris Xe graphics, optional TPM 2.0, both face and fingerprint login, a physical webcam shield, AI noise cancelation for crystal-clear conferencing, ASUS NumberPad for fast data input and, with ExpertBook B5 Flip, a quick-charging garaged stylus.

Intel today released the latest version of its Arc GPU Graphics Drivers. Version 101.4257 beta adds Game On (day-zero) optimization for "Crime Boss." This particular release does not pack any "Fixed Issues" load, as it releases barely 5 days from the 101.4255 WHQL drivers. The company did, however, identify a dozen new issues as part of its "Known Issues" lists for Arc discrete GPUs, Iris Xe MAX GPUs, Core processor iGPUs (since 11th Gen), and its Arc Control software interface.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.4257 beta

Creating, consuming and collaborating in a hybrid world just got easier with Lenovo's latest generation of Windows 11 Yoga laptops that deliver impressive performance, incredible versatility, and easy mobility in a sleek and portable design:

"We know that digital content creators continue to embrace the hybrid lifestyle to create anytime, anywhere, from making videos to designing graphics on the move," says Jun Ouyang, Lenovo's vice president and general manager of the Consumer Business Segment, Intelligent Devices Group. "Lenovo's latest new premium Yoga Pro laptops are made for creators. Combining performance and portability, including an impressive new Mini-LED PureSight Pro display and an upgraded keyboard, creators will revel in the exceptional user experience to create whenever inspiration strikes."

Intel's Arc Pro A40, A30, and Arc Pro A30M for laptops were announced back in August last year, these are still only available to OEMs, and it appears that Intel is not focused on driver updates for its Arc Pro series as it is for its gaming Arc series graphics card lineup. The latest Arc Pro 31.0.101.4092 WHQL driver is the first driver update in 4 months.

The previous driver was released back in December last year, and while we do not know how popular Intel Arc Pro series is, since there are currently only two desktop and one mobile graphics card, four months are still a long time between driver updates. The latest one focuses on certification for professional applications, including various Autodesk software, Siemens, Vectorworks, Dassault Systèmes Solidworks, and others. It also includes several fixes for some of those applications.

Today at the Amplify Partner Conference, HP Inc announced its latest line-up of gaming hardware and software designed to bring gamers everything they need to enjoy the games they love. The new OMEN Transcend 16 Laptop, OMEN 16 Laptop, Victus 16 Laptop, and a vast range of stunning OMEN monitors offer casual, hobbyist, lifestyle, and hardcore gamers the power and flexibility to play and work hard. To bring everything together, new enhancements in OMEN Gaming Hub offer a variety of performance and personalization features.

People everywhere seek devices that can adapt to hybrid play and work. Sixty-two percent of gamers prefer a PC that fits their entire life instead of being used for gaming only. With a billion new gamers entering the space in the last seven years and 84 percent of them using games to connect with others with similar interests, gaming devices enable access to countless games and corresponding communities.

Akasa, a leading provider of passive cooling solutions and fanless cases, have announced today a new premium aluminium case called the Maxwell AC Pro for the latest range of InteI NUC 13 Pro products, code-named Arena Canyon. Designed to accommodate the Core i3, i5 and i7 processors up to 40 W TDP, this state-of-the-art small form factor case is perfect for applications that require silent operation without compromising on power. With dimensions of 218.5 x 206 x 80.3 mm (3.6L), the case can be easily stored away or displayed for a desktop setup. For the NUC 13 Pro, InteI announced a resilient supply chain production model by creating a multi-source supply chain, as well as up to 5 years of availability for the NUC 13 Pro boards. This is good news for the commercial projects and consumers, as planning for production and system integration in the future will be easier and longer-lasting.

The InteI NUC 13 Pro comes feature-packed and ready to perform in all types of applications such as digital signage, home theater setups, and edge computing. The vPro Platform returns for the i5 and i7 models, which boast some unique features such as remote management and base level security protection from threats. Alongside this, the NUC 13 Pro range comes with Wi-Fi 6, support for up to four extended displays (using 2 HDMI and 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports), up to 64 GB of expandable DDR4 RAM and PCIe x4 Gen 4 compatibility for the M.2 drive. This extensive list of features makes the InteI NUC 13 Pro range a no- brainer for those looking for high performance in a small form factor.

Semiconductor manufacturers worldwide are forecast to increase 300 mm fab capacity to an all-time high of 9.6 million wafers per month (wpm) in 2026, SEMI announced today in its 300 mm Fab Outlook to 2026 report. After strong growth in 2021 and 2022, the 300 mm capacity expansion is expected to slow this year due to soft demand for memory and logic devices.

"While the pace of the global 300 mm fab capacity expansion is moderating, the industry remains squarely focused on growing capacity to meet robust secular demand for semiconductors," said Ajit Manocha, SEMI President and CEO. "The foundry, memory and power sectors will be major drivers of the new record capacity increase expected in 2026."

CTL, a leading manufacturer of award-winning Chrome OS solutions, announced today at NCCE 2023 the introduction of a new "Secure" Special Edition of the CTL Chromebook PX11E. "This device's secure, semi-transparent bottom offers a unique and modern design that sets it apart from traditional Chromebooks. It allows users to see the inner workings of the device, which can be a valuable teaching tool and a great conversation starter," noted Erik Stromquist, CTL's CEO. "It also makes it easier to look inside the device to find problems, like loose connections or damage from liquid, so that it can be fixed. The design is invaluable for organizations with security concerns related to on-premise mobile devices."

The PX11E is equipped with an Intel Jasper Lake N4500 CPU, delivering up to 35% improved app performance and 78% better graphics than its predecessors. The device boasts a higher burst frequency and features a Google 'Everything Button,' screen capture button, an HD camera and microphone, multiple USB ports with PD and DP functions, and Bluetooth 5.2 capabilities—opening endless possibilities!

Today, Intel introduced the Intel NUC 13 Pro (code-named "Arena Canyon"), which brings the amazing performance of 13th Gen Intel Core processors to a 4-by-4-inch form factor that fits almost anywhere. "Now more than ever, businesses need flexible systems that are globally scalable, environmentally conscious and AI-ready, and that offer the peace of mind that comes with proven technology. The NUC 13 Pro is our latest step forward to provide our customers with the reliable, high-quality, enterprise-grade computing they require," said Brian McCarson, Intel vice president and general manager of the Intel NUC Group.

The Intel NUC 13 Pro offers the perfect package of size, performance, sustainability and reliability that modern businesses need. Select models also feature Intel vPro Enterprise for comprehensive security, enterprise-grade stability and hardware-based remote management. Intel NUC 13 Pro Kits and Mini PCs are upgradable and repairable, providing a stable, reusable solution for a wide variety of business needs, including client, edge and digital signage computing.